Articles in the ‘Cellular and Mobile Phones’ Category

Three UK’s parent company, Hutchison Whampoa, has just reached an agreement to purchase O2 from Telefonica. The proposed £10.25 billion deal will make Three the largest mobile operator in the UK, giving them a 41% share of the market. The deal is still awaiting approval from competition regulators, but should the buyout go through it will reduce the number of mobile networks in the UK to three. This may simply seem like more of the same when it comes to corporate mergers, but the loss of competition in the mobile networking market could easily lead to higher costs for consumers down the line. But customers have more control over their phone bills than they may think, and there are steps we can all take to reduce our mobile costs in the face of corporate mergers and rising mobile tariffs.

Trimming the Fat

The secret to keeping your phone bill under control is knowing where to trim the fat, but sometimes that can be easier said than done. Network providers are very good at bundling services, and signing up customers for full featured plans that they may not really need. These bundles often have hidden costs that end up costing you more than you anticipated, and more than you were promised. If you want to reduce your phone bill, eliminating the hidden costs is the perfect way to begin. Let’s look at a few key points that will help you save on your smartphone bills.

“Unlimited” Data

Unlimited data is a major selling point for many network providers. Unfortunately, unlimited data doesn’t always mean what it says. While some networks do offer truly unlimited data plans, most apply a fair usage clause to your contract. You’ll have to dig down deep into the small print to find it, but the clause is there and it allows your provider to set an upper limit on your data usage. If you go over that limit you’ll begin to rack up hefty fees, so to avoid a sudden spike in your phone bill you need to watch your data allowance. But that can be difficult to do, especially if your smartphone is loaded with your favourite apps. Many of those apps continue to run even when they are not in use, constantly downloading information from the internet. This so called ‘background data’ includes everything from Facebook updates to GPS information, and it adds up fast. To prevent yourself from exceeding your data limit, and racking up any unexpected fees, use the settings control on your smartphone to disable the Background App Refresh feature. This will prevent those data hungry apps from continuously eating away at your monthly allowance.

Smartphone Insurance

Smartphone insurance has become a booming business, and most networks offer insurance plans for their customers. But smartphone insurance isn’t cheap, and some plans can add more than £300 to a standard two year contract. Now, having insurance for your smartphone isn’t necessarily a bad idea, particularly if you need your mobile for work. However, you need to be sure you are paying for the right plan and not overpaying for the wrong one. Before you add insurance to your network plan, read the small print and be sure that it covers all eventualities. Give special attention to deductibles and personal responsibility clauses. Also, before signing on, compare the plan with those offered by other independent insurers. It is not unusual to find a better plan, at a better price, from someone other than your mobile network.

4G and Wi-Fi

Many of us are upgrading to a 4G connection, chasing those faster download speeds. But moving from 3G to 4G can have an unexpected impact on your phone bill. Those faster download speeds make it all too easy to burn through your data allowance, racking up major fees in the bargain. If you are considering making the move to 4G, think about increasing your monthly data allowance as well. The additional data will help protect you from going over your limit, and incurring unwanted fees and penalties. Also, whether you’re on 3G or 4G, you can keep your data usage under control by relying on wireless networks for data heavy activities like streaming videos or playing online games. When you consider that fifteen minutes of streaming video can use up more than 1GB of data, you can see how easy, and how quickly, you can use up your monthly allowance. Relying on Wi-Fi for data heavy applications will keep you from going over your limit, keeping your phone bill check.

The recent spate of telecom company mergers in the UK may be good news for big business, but it is likely to result in higher phone bills for consumers. With fewer mobile networks competing for customers, companies will have less of an incentive to keep basic phone costs down. That means that customers like you and me will have to find our own ways to cut costs and keep our phone bills under control. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to cut out hidden mobile fees, so we can all keep our hard earned money where it belongs – in our pockets.

Logitech is a renowned name in computer consumables and its latest addition the Logitech K750 solar powered keyboard is a must have for every gadget enthusiast. The K750 suits Windows based operating systems while its counterpart the K760 is designed for Macs, iPad and iPhones. Both the keyboards are solar powered and can also charge from a normal light in the room or even from the monitor lamination. The device is super sleek with a thickness of just 1/3 inches and comes with a long range wireless connection of 2.4gHz.

The PVC free construction is also made from fully recyclable materials and the design process leaves a minimal carbon footprint. One full charge allows you to use the keyboard for up to 3 months in total darkness . You can place it in the sun for optimum charge, else the indoor light including the monitor would be sufficient to charge it. Smooth, comfortable and fluid keystrokes make you effortlessly use the keyboard.

The built-in Unifying receiver also allows you to add a compatible mouse, keyboard etc- by using the same tiny received plugged-in to the USB port. It’s quite a good choice if you are looking for a wireless keyboard as it eliminates the need for a battery charger and is powered by light.

The package comes with the keyboard, unifying receiver a, wireless extender and a handy cleaning cloth. You can buy it from leading retailers and can also purchase it from their website or from Amazon at the below link.

We are all familiar with Bamboo shoots which are now being used in diverse ways such as for handicrafts, textiles (yes… Bamboo Fiber), interiors etc. You would quire be surprised to check out this mind-blogging innovation of Bamboo-that is by using them as a natural amplifies your iPhone speakers. The device is called the iBamboo speaker and uses the inherent amplification features of Bamboo to give you a clear pitch from your iPhone speaker.

Bamboo shots were traditionally used as pipes and also in music instruments such as Flutes etc.- as the shoot provides a perfect way to transmit sound by reducing the noise and streamlining the sound waves. Here in the iBamboo speaker, a natural Bamboo shoot is cut in the middle to allow your iPhone to slide through the space. When you turn on your iPhone speaker, the sound from the speaker amplifies the sound by the natural resonance of the bamboo and gives you a clear and amplified tone.The device is Eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable and is quite an unique application of using bamboo. You can carry the speaker along with you and can use it whenever you want to. The best part is that it doesn’t require any electricity or charging and is quite compact to use. It’s made for Phone 5, 4 and 4S models and comes in two color-natural bamboo and black. This awesome natural innovation suits personal uses and also makes a perfect gift for this holiday season.

The device is priced a $29.0 and comes in a burlap bag and a gift box. It’s shipped from Brooklyn USA and can be purchased from their website at the below link.

One of USA’s most popular and leading mobile carrier ATT is moving towards being Eco-friendly by implementing a host of business practices that are geared towards a healthier and safer environment.

Let’s take a look at how they are doing it.

1) Moving towards paperless billing: Paper bills for a premier carrier such as ATT having millions of phone lines do consume large amounts of paper every month. An estimated 17.2 million customers opted to receive an electronic bill as opposed to a paper bill by the end of 2011. Thanks to unique marketing efforts and consumer education, this has reduced an enormous amount of paper consumption-which means lesser trees to be cut and more oxygen to the planet. ATT allows users to easily opt for an e-bill, with a facility to download up to 16 past statements online.

2) ATT plans to invest about $565 million to deploy vehicles running with alternate fuels by 2018. Towards the end of 2011 their fleet has about 3469 vehicles running on compressed natural gas which means less dependence on diesel and also lesser pollution.

3) Solar panels are being introduced in their offices to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources. In the year 2011 their total carbon offset was the equivalent of the carbon dioxide generated by 430 cars annually.

4) A new accessory packaging sourced from 30% plant based materials such as ethanol from sugarcane has resulted in saving about 50 tons of paper and plastic in packaging.

5) A major cell phone recycling program has collected about 3 million phones and 1.7 million pounds of batteries and accessories which would have otherwise ended up being burnt or in a landfill. This adds up to a staggering saving in terms of reduced carbon footprint and lesser pollution.

For more details on their sustainable practices, access the below link.

Here’s a feasible solution to all your charging needs. Be it a phone or any gadget which charges from an USB source, you can use the below portable device to charge them while on the move. The power panel uses solar energy to charge your devices and provides up to 2 watts of power which can be transmitted through a USB port. It’s quite useful when you are on the move, or outdoors as in while camping or trekking. The device does away with the necessity of a power source and can be used by just leaving it outdoors to face the sun.

The device gives about 30% more energy when compared to other similar panels and is economicallypriced at $39. The USB port is compatible with many devices and the package also includes adapters for Sony, Nokia and Samsung phones (Do check out the supporting phone models on the product page). It however cannot be used for charging an iPhone, iPad or an iPod.

The panel gives you a charge of up to 600mAh phone in 1.5 hours (Standard conditions) and consists of a durable ABS frame with dimensions of 6.9 in long, 3.9 in wide, 0.4 in thickness. It weighs just 84 grams and can be conveniently carried in your backpack. The device is recommended to be placed in direct sunlight and not behind a shade or a window.

The Sun Ray Pro Power Panel (P102) is a perfect accessory especially while you are traveling as it gives an easy and optimum charge within no time. You can purchase the Sun Ray Power Panel (P102) by accessing the below link.You can also check their range of solar lights, rechargeable batteries and other chargers.

Imagine a handy charger which you can take along while you are travelling-one which can also charge your smartphones and other devices with ease. Your guess would be a solar powered charger or a backup battery arrangement. But you would quite be surprised to hear that there is a charger which ispowered by pure water and can charge your smartphones while on the move. Such technology has been in news a little while ago with a clock being made to work on pure water. The PowerTrekk charger is an extension of such technology ad uses pure water to run an internal circuit which in turn charges your phone.

The charger uses a fuel cell technology that converts hydrogen into electricity. Its driven by a replaceableFuelCellSticker which is made from foils and adhesives in the form of a fuel pack. This fuel packs need to be inserted into the device and when water is added from the inlet, a chemical reaction releases hydrogen which is then converted into electricity. The electricity is stored in the storage buffer which allows the device to function both as a battery as well as a charger.

The myFCPowerTrekk is priced at € 199. The fuel pack which needs to be replaced after some time is priced at € 4/puck (The Fuel cell is called -The Puck).

The output is USB compliant and corresponds to an output voltage of 5 volts and a power of 5 watts. The only bye-product is a bit of water vapor which is released into the atmosphere. The device is quite handy when you are traveling, and would not have access to regular power sources and sunlight.

The product is currently being sold in selectretail stores in Bulgaria and is expected to be available in different countries by early 2013. The device is safe, eco-friendly and is a perfect alternative to conventional solar chargers.

Where technology gadgets have bought the revolution in word of communication and latest information system, IPhone culture is getting more and more popular. Transferring from iPhone to iPhone 2, iPhone 2 to iPhone 3G, 3G to 4S and now transferring to iPhone 5. Although it’s surprising that iPhone 4S and 5 have broken all the previous records of sales. If you are also among iPhone lovers who have been upgraded to new version, don’t forget the recycling of your old one to trash or depths of your junk.

In most of the US states, recycling programs for cell phones have been started and also different online websites have been offering the similar recycling services, which are in access of every citizen here. Now when iPhone 5 has been announced, people have been discussing on many online forums and social websites; twitter and Facebook about announcement of new phone and changing or trading of old iPhones.

Most of the times, people don’t care about their old gadgets once they have purchased the new versions and similar might be case that your old iPhone will remain on your shelf for months till the spring cleaning program comes and you decide to dispose it. A major issue with technology gadgets are that of harmful toxic materials which are included in their electronic parts and they will be great danger in landfills.

The old cell phones are working perfect at the time when you had decided to transfer to new iPhone version because it’s fancy and upgraded with many features; you probably have to recycle the previous one if you are environment conscious. These disposed phones will be used by charitable organizations to offer to those people who don’t afford to buy a new phone or for a phone just for their communication and its really humanitarian or you can also trade your old phone on a store and get some cash instead of it.

It is also true that if you are upgrading from an older model iPhone such as the 3G or the 3GS. Those older model iPhones still carry some value and could even be sold on eBay or craigslist for some extra dough.

There is an effective cause of recycling programs for electronic gadgets. When we donate our previous gadgets, there are still new to be reused or sent for the recycling process. It is also important to save your data in phone somewhere else and format it before you donate your cell phone or sell it somewhere. This may cause danger when someone else copy your personal data and use it for their own purposes. Therefore before donating the phones, formatting of its memory cards is essential.

Apple often makes it tempting to upgrade every year with fancy new features and more storage capacity for music, photos, and apps. Hopefully, after reading this post we can all remember not to neglect our old cell phones and turn them in somewhere that will re-use them or recycle them in an environmentally responsible manner.

A nice idea brought to the forefront when we heard about CORA company new launchings. Recently CORA is working to launch a smart phone application for iPhone users first to connect all the community recyclers. This application will be soon available for all the smart phone users and those eco-friendly guys who want to recycle, donate or make use of old materials by offering local landfill to perform these services.

This CORA trash turned to treasure application for smart phone users will allow users to tell which type of trash they have and how they would like to replace or recycle it and it will also provide them a detail about current recycling DIY projects which will change the trash to treasure. CORA officials told that this smart phones application will allow the users to think two times before they make final decision to throw their trash.

The Kick starter page of CORA is already filled to brim with ideas and those which need to simply the household items. For example if a handful of the used writing pens are donated to the library in your town or change them into funky lamps, or you use the used jeans as hard plastic items in your home for different alternative uses. Also for soundproofing in your cars or as home insulation you can make effective used of old jeans too. Similar suggestions you will find about plastic mesh bags on CORA forum to reconstruct them into nifty scrubber pots.

CORA told that it will take only a couple of weeks to raise $70,000 to support this project and invited the people to check out their campaign. You can view the current recycling projects of CORA here. In this eco-friendly mobile application, a user will be provided with different recycling and reusing options, e. g for a coffee bag a person can select among three options to craft it, cycle it or pass it. Again in craft it option, one can select among three options like make an easy coffee bag purse, coffee bag wallet or coffee bag vase.

If you want to pass this item to recycling units, you will simply click on pass it to trashbags.com website or any other recycling unit. Through social media sharing, once you have installed the application and trying to recycle a product, you can also craft this and share it on social media. How much these struggles form CORA will help to speed up the process of recycling will tell the future but it is predicted that such an efficient clean technology solution will help to clean the environment and make the human beings to understand the process of recycling and keeping it clean with green technology.

Technology is not a big hazard for our environment if this has been understood to focus on reshaping it as green and eco-friendly. Reshaping the technology as eco-friendly will provide long lasting positive effects and a breath for the next generations.

The new Samsung Replenish Android 2.2 smartphone is one of the only eco-friendly cell phones available on the market today. Offered for sale by Sprint, it is manufactured from more than 30% recycled materials and more than 80% of it is recyclable. In addition, the phone is packaged using soy ink and materials that are at least 80% post-consumer recycled waste. (more…)

Not content with developing an augmented reality iPhone app for Glastonbury, Orange has also been developing a rather low tech prototype – a mobile phone charging device for your Glasto willies.

At first I thought this was an April Fool. But seemingly not, given we are half way through June. Billed as perfect for this weekend’s Glastonbury festival (handy given your mobile phone normally runs out of charge after a few hours of texting/phoning your mates to find out where they are) it apparently works by converting the heat from your feet into electric current. (more…)